In News:

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai is set to become India’s first port to enter top global ports with 10 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) by 2027.

Overview:

• Location: Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Commissioned: 1989
• Significance: India’s first Landlord Major Port, fully adopting the landlord port model.

Performance & Capacity Expansion:

• In 2024, JNPA handled a record 7.05 million TEUs, operating at over 90% capacity, with an 11% year-on-year growth.
• By 2027, JNPA is projected to become India’s first port to handle 10 million TEUs annually, marking its entry into the global top ports list.
• Current container handling capacity: 7.6 million TEUs
• Projected capacity by 2027: 10.4 million TEUs

Infrastructure Developments:

• Commissioning of Phase II of Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT) to add 2.4 million TEUs.
• Upgradation of Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal expected in 2025.
• Five operational container terminals, including:
  • BMCT
  • Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT)
  • Gateway Terminals India Pvt Ltd (GTIPL)

Key Projects & Investments (2024):

• ?2,000 crore worth of capacity enhancement projects launched.
• Solar-powered boat, two indigenously developed 70T tugs, and three fire tenders commissioned for safety and efficiency.
• Agro-processing facility (?284 crore) on 27 acres within port complex to handle 1.2 million tonnes annually – includes processing, sorting, packing, and food safety labs.
• Warehousing and CFS infrastructure (?300 crore investment) to generate 1,20,000 TEUs/year through ambient and temperature-controlled facilities.

Vadhavan Port Project:

• Proposed as India’s 13th major port (under construction).
• MoU with Reliance Industries Ltd: Development of liquid jetty and 50 acres of land under PPP model (investment: ?645 crore; operational by 2030).
• MoU with DBKKVD Dapoli: For integrated agri-horticultural development in Dahanu and Palghar.
• MoU with HUDCO: Funding commitment of ?25,000 crore for port infrastructure under PPP mode.

Strategic Importance:

• JNPA is central to India’s maritime trade, which accounts for 95% of trade by volume and 70% by value.
• Satellite and dry ports at Vadhavan, Jalna, and Wardha to improve hinterland connectivity and trade logistics.